Vehicle expansion retainer

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for retaining accessories to a vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/619,167, filed Sep. 14, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/041,301, filed Mar. 4, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.8,267,034, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/716,837, filed Mar. 12, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,975,640, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/356,569, filed Feb.17, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,582, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/889,802, filed Jul. 13, 2004, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,055,454, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to powered vehicles and more particularly tosnowmobiles, all terrain vehicles (ATV), personal watercraft, utilityvehicles (UV), motorcycles having surfaces to hold accessories, and morespecifically fastening accessories to a vehicle accessory platform.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current accessory latching systems require bolting the accessory to therack, a process that can require a significant amount of time andeffort. Generally this requires taking a plate, such as a steel flatplate, and placing it on the bottom side of an ATV rack, such as a steeltube rack or a composite rack, and then sandwiching the rack withanother plate on top of the rack and fastening the two plates togetherwith U-bolts or some other type of fastener. An accessory can then bemounted to the rack above or to the top plate. This system is expensiveand the mounting process is very laborious and time consuming. Further,the inaccessibility to the bottom side of the rack plus the amount oftime it takes putting the plate on the bottom and running bolts upthrough the bottom plate made this system undesirable. Other accessorylatching systems utilize a receiver style mount in the rack, whichreceives a pin or the like which is then fastened to the accessory. Inthis system the receiver style mount must often be cleared of dirt andother materials due to the environment the ATV can be used in before thepin can be inserted. Other accessory latching systems utilize a handlethat goes through the rack then the operator reaches under the rack andturns a spring loaded distal end so it is perpendicular to the axis ofthe hole thus preventing the removal of the handle. The handle is thenattached to the accessory. Once again this system requires the operatorto perform several steps to mount the accessory.

Attaching accessories or any other item to an ATV needs to be costeffective and simple. These latching systems must also be able to handlethe rigor and generally “dirty” environment that an ATV is designed for.The capability to quickly attach and remove an item from the rack willsignificantly improve the quality and functionality of the accessories.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a vehicle having an accessory attachment apparatusmay include one or more of the following features: (a) a chassiscarrying a seat, (b) at least one front wheel and at least one rearwheel coupled to the chassis, (c) a steering member for steering the atleast one wheel, (d) an engine carried by the chassis for powering thevehicle, (e) at least one mounting aperture located on the vehicle, and(f) an expansion retainer having a proximal and distal end, having (i) ahandle member, (ii) a shaft pivotally coupled to the handle member atthe proximal end, the handle member pivotally rotatable between an openand closed position to move the shaft in an axial direction, (iii) agrommet located on the shaft at the distal end, (iv) a fastener coupledto the shaft at the distal end, whereby the expansion retainer isadapted to hold an accessory to the mounting aperture when the expansionretainer is received within the mounting aperture and the handle memberrotated to a closed position, (v) a spacer member located proximal ofthe grommet, (vi) a bracket member coupled to the shaft at the proximalend between the handle member and the spacer member, and (vii) a washermember coupled to the shaft at the proximal end between the handlemember and the spacer member.

In some embodiments, a vehicle having an apparatus for retainingaccessories may include one or more of the following features: (a) achassis carrying a seat, (b) at least one front wheel and at least onerear wheel coupled to the chassis, (c) a steering member for steeringthe at least one wheel, (d) means for powering the vehicle carried bythe chassis, (e) at least one mounting aperture located on vehicle, and(f) an expansion retainer having a proximal and distal end, the distalend capable of being received by the mounting aperture, having (i) ahandle member, (ii) a shaft pivotally coupled to the handle member atthe proximal end, wherein the handle member can be pivotally rotatedbetween an open and closed position to move the shaft in an axialdirection, (iii) retainer means coupled at the distal end of the shaft,(iv) retention means coupled at the distal end of the shaft distallyfrom the retaining means, whereby the expansion retainer is adapted toretainer an accessory to the mounting aperture when the expansionretainer is received within the mounting aperture and the handle memberrotated to a closed position, (v) a spacer member located proximal ofthe retainer means, (vi) a bracket member coupled between the handlemember and the spacer member.

In some embodiments, an accessory retainer apparatus for a vehicle mayinclude one or more of the following features: (a) a handle member, (b)a shaft pivotally coupled to the handle member at the proximal end, thehandle member pivotally rotatable between an open and closed position tomove the shaft in an axial direction, (c) a grommet located on the shaftat the distal end, (d) a fastener coupled to the shaft at the distalend, whereby the accessory retainer is adapted to retain an accessory toa mounting aperture located on the vehicle, (e) a spacer member locatedproximal of the grommet, (f) a second grommet located between the handlemember and the spacer, and (g) a bracket member coupled at the proximalend of the shaft between the handle member and the spacer member.

In some embodiments, an expansion retainer may include one or more ofthe following features:

(a) a handle member, (b) a shaft having a proximal and distal end; theshaft pivotally coupled to the handle member at the proximal end,wherein the handle member can be pivotally rotated between an open andclosed position to move the shaft in an axial direction, (c) retainermeans coupled at the distal end of the shaft, (d) retention meanscoupled at the distal end of the shaft distally from the retainingmeans, (e) a bracket member coupled at the proximal end of the shaftdistally from the handle member for mounting accessories to theexpansion retainer, and (f) a spacer member located proximal of theretainer means.

In some embodiments, a method for retaining accessories to a vehicle mayinclude one or more of the following steps: (a) coupling an expansionretainer to an accessory, (b) inserting a distal end of the expansionretainer within an mounting aperture on the vehicle, and (c) rotatingpivotally a handle member located on a proximal end of the expansionretainer between an open and closed position to move a shaft in an axialdirection to compress a grommet against the mounting aperture.

In some embodiments, an accessory retainer for a vehicle may include oneor more of the following features: (a) means for coupling an expansionretainer to an accessory, (b) means for inserting a distal end of theexpansion retainer within an mounting aperture on the vehicle, (c) meansfor compressing a grommet against the mounting aperture, (d) a spacermember located between the handle member and the retainer means, and (e)a second grommet located between the handle member and the spacer.

In some embodiments, a vehicle may include one or more of the followingfeatures: (a) a chassis, (b) a seat mounted to the chassis, (c) ahandlebar assembly carried by the chassis, (d) an endless track carriedby a rear suspension system mounted to the chassis, (e) a frontsuspension system mounted to the chassis, (f) left and right steerableskis carried by the front suspension system, the skis being steerablyconnected to the handlebars, (g) an engine operably coupled to drive theendless track, (h) at least one mounting aperture located on thevehicle, (i) an expansion retainer having a proximal and distal end, (1)a handle member, (2) a shaft pivotally coupled to the handle member atthe proximal end, the handle member pivotally rotatable between an openand closed position to move the shaft in an axial direction, (3) agrommet located on the shaft at the distal end, (4) a fastener coupledto the shaft at the distal end, whereby the expansion retainer isadapted to hold an accessory to the mounting aperture when the expansionretainer is received within the mounting aperture and the handle memberis rotated to a closed position, and (5) a spacer member locatedproximal of the grommet.

In some embodiments, a vehicle may include one or more of the followingfeatures: (a) a hull including a bottom hull and a top deck secured overthe bottom hull, the hull defining an engine compartment sized tocontain an internal combustion engine for powering a jet propulsionunit, the jet propulsion unit including a steerable water dischargenozzle, the top deck having a raised, longitudinally extending seatadapted to accommodate an operator in straddle fashion, (b) at least onemounting aperture located on the vehicle, (c) an expansion retainerhaving a proximal and distal end, (1) a handle member, (2) a shaftpivotally coupled to the handle member at the proximal end, the handlemember pivotally rotatable between an open and closed position to movethe shaft in an axial direction, (3) a grommet located on the shaft atthe distal end, (4) a fastener coupled to the shaft at the distal end,whereby the expansion retainer is adapted to hold an accessory to themounting aperture when the expansion retainer is received within themounting aperture and the handle member is rotated to a closed position,(5) a spacer member located proximal of the grommet.

In a further embodiment, a vehicle accessory comprising a retainerincludes a handle member and a shaft extending in an axial directionbetween opposing proximal and distal ends. The handle member ispivotally coupled to the proximal end of the shaft, and is configuredfor pivoting movement between an open position and a closed position tomove the shaft in an axial direction. The retainer includes a fastenersupported by the distal end of the shaft, and a grommet supported by theshaft intermediate the fastener and the handle member, wherein thegrommet radially expands when the handle is moved from the open positionto the closed position. The retainer further includes a mounting membersupported by the shaft. A vehicle accessory storage container is coupledto the mounting member and configured to be supported by a vehicle whenthe shaft of the retainer is inserted within a mounting aperture of thevehicle and the handle member is moved from the open position to theclosed position.

In other embodiments, a vehicle accessory comprising a retainer includesa handle member and a shaft extending in an axial direction betweenopposing proximal and distal ends. The handle member is pivotallycoupled to the proximal end of the shaft and configured for pivotingmovement between an open position and a closed position to move theshaft in an axial direction. The retainer includes a fastener supportedby the distal end of the shaft, and a grommet supported by the shaftintermediate the fastener and the handle member, wherein the grommetradially expands when the handle is moved from the open position to theclosed position. In certain embodiments, the vehicle accessory includesa cargo holder coupled to the retainer and configured to be supported bya vehicle when the shaft of the retainer is inserted within a mountingaperture of the vehicle and the handle member is moved from the openposition to the closed position. In certain other embodiments, thevehicle accessory includes a vehicle rider support coupled to theretainer and configured to be supported by a vehicle when the shaft ofthe retainer is inserted within a mounting aperture of the vehicle andthe handle member is moved from the open position to the closedposition. In certain other embodiments, the vehicle accessory includes avehicle rider interface coupled to the retainer and configured to besupported by a vehicle when the shaft of the retainer is inserted withina mounting aperture of the vehicle and the handle member is moved fromthe open position to the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an ATV in an embodiment of thepresent teachings.

FIG. 1A shows a rear view of another ATV in an embodiment of the presentteachings.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a utility vehicle in an embodimentof the present teachings.

FIG. 1C shows a side profile view of an ATV in an embodiment of thepresent teachings.

FIG. 1D shows a perspective view of a snowmobile that can incorporatesome embodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 1E shows a perspective view of a personal watercraft that canincorporate some embodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 1F is a side view of a motorcycle that can incorporate someembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side profile of an expansion retainer in an open positionin an embodiment of the present teachings.

FIG. 3 shows a side profile of an expansion retainer in a closedposition in an embodiment of the present teachings.

FIG. 4 shows a front profile of an expansion retainer in an openposition in an embodiment of the present teachings.

FIG. 5 shows a side profile of an expansion retainer in an open positionin an embodiment of the present teachings.

FIG. 6 shows an elevated profile of an accessory platform in anembodiment of the present teachings.

FIG. 7 shows a front profile of an expansion retainer in a closedposition within an accessory platform in an embodiment of the presentteachings.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart for the operation of an expansion retainer inan embodiment of the present teachings.

FIG. 9 shows an accessory platform for a utility vehicle in anembodiment of the present teachings.

FIG. 10 shows a side profile of an expansion retainer in an openposition for insertion into an accessory platform in an embodiment ofthe present teachings.

FIG. 11 shows a box divider with integral brackets in an embodiment ofthe present teachings.

FIG. 12 shows a rear profile of a snowmobile with rack mounting systemin some embodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 13 shows a front profile of a quick removal mirror in someembodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 14 shows a rear profile of a watercraft with mounting apertures insome embodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 15 shows a side profile of a motorcycle with mounting apertures insome embodiments of the present teachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the followingdetailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and describedso that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use the present teachings. Various modifications to theillustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in theart, and the generic principles herein may be applied to otherembodiments and applications without departing from the presentteachings. Thus, the present teachings are not intended to be limited toembodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistentwith the principles and features disclosed herein. The followingdetailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, inwhich like elements in different figures have like reference numerals.The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selectedembodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the presentteachings. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided hereinhave many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of the presentteachings. It is understood that the embodiments of the presentteachings can be applied to snowmobiles, personal watercraft, utilityvehicles, motorcycles, and ATVs; however, the present teachings arediscussed below with reference to an ATV and a utility vehicle.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle 100 in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present teachings. Vehicle 100 of FIG. 1 canbe generally referred to as an ATV. Vehicle 100 can have a chassis 102carrying a straddle type seat 104. In FIG. 1, straddle type seat 104 issufficiently narrow to be straddled by a vehicle rider. Vehicle 100 canhave a left front wheel 106, a right front wheel 108, a left rear wheel120, and right rear wheel 121 (FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, vehicle100 could have tracks 123 as shown in FIG. 1C. Vehicle 100 can alsoinclude an engine 122 that is carried by chassis 102. Engine 122 can becoupled to at least some wheels of vehicle 100 via a drive train forpropelling vehicle 100. Engine 122 can be used to power each rear wheel120 and 121, and in some cases also each front wheel 106 and 108. It isfully contemplated other devices such as a motor could be used to powervehicle 100 without departing from the spirit of the present teachings.

Vehicle 100 can also include a first footrest 138 that can be seenextending from one side of the chassis 102 in FIG. 1. Vehicle 100 canalso include a second footrest (not shown in FIG. 1) that extends fromthe other side of chassis 102. Vehicle 100 also includes member 140 thatmay be used for steering vehicle 100. In FIG. 1, steering member 140comprises a handlebar. Vehicle 100 can also include at least onemounting aperture 150. For example, mounting aperture 150 can be locatedon accessory platforms 142 and 144 often referred to as racks. Accessoryplatforms 142 and 144 can have a top surface 146 and a bottom surface148 coupled to chassis 102. Accessory platform 144 can have at least onemounting aperture 150 extending from top surface 146. It is fullycontemplated mounting aperture 150 could be located anywhere on vehicle100 such as chassis 102 (FIG. 1A), the body of vehicle 100, and footrest138 without departing from the spirit of the present teachings.

FIG. 1B is another perspective view of a vehicle in accordance with anembodiment of the present teachings. Vehicle 200 of FIG. 1B can begenerally referred to as a utility vehicle. Vehicle 200 can have achassis 202 carrying a bench type seat 204. In FIG. 1B, bench type seat204 can be sufficiently wide to hold more than one vehicle rider. It iscontemplated the embodiments for FIGS. 1 and 1B could have two seats, aseat large enough for two or more people to straddle, or side-by-sideseating such as bucket style seats without departing from the spirit ofthe present teachings. Vehicle 200 can have a left front wheel 206, aright front wheel (not visible in FIG. 1A), a left rear wheel 220 andright rear wheel (not visible in FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, vehicle200 could have tracks 123 similar to those shown in FIG. 1C. Vehicle 200also includes an engine 201 that is carried by chassis 202. Engine 201is preferably coupled to at least some wheels of vehicle 200 via a drivetrain for propelling vehicle 200. Engine 201 may be used to power anywheel on vehicle 200. It is fully contemplated that engine 201 could bea motor or any other apparatus to propel vehicle 200 without departingfrom the spirit of the present teachings.

Vehicle 200 can also include a footrest 238 that can be seen extendingfrom one side of the chassis 202 to the other side. Vehicle 200 can alsoinclude at least one mounting aperture 226. For example, mountingaperture 226 can be located on accessory platform 222 often referred toas a box. Box 222 can extend from the rear of the chassis for carryingvarious items. Box 222 can have mounting apertures 226 similar toaccessory platforms 142 and 144 located on the top of bed rail 224 (FIG.9). It is further contemplated; box 222 could have mounting apertureslocated in bed 228, without departing from the spirit of the presentteachings. Vehicle 200 can also include member 240 that may be used forsteering vehicle 200. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, steering member 240comprises a steering wheel. Vehicle 200 can also have an accessoryplatform mounted to the front of the vehicle. It is fully contemplatedmounting aperture 226 could be located anywhere on vehicle 200 such aschassis 202, the body of vehicle 200, and footrest 238 without departingfrom the spirit of the present teachings. It is further contemplatedaccessory platforms could include trailers without departing from thespirit of the present teachings.

FIG. 1D depicts a snowmobile of the teachings. The snowmobile includes achassis 31, a straddle type seat 32 mounted to the chassis 31, and apair of handlebars 34 carried by the chassis 31 adjacent to the seat 32so that a rider sitting in straddle fashion on the seat may steer thesnowmobile using the handlebars 34. The snowmobile includes an endlesstrack 36 carried by a rear suspension system 38 mounted to the chassis31, the endless track being connected to and powered by the snowmobile'sengine 35 (typically located beneath the hood near the front of thesnowmobile). A fuel tank may be located under seat 32.

Left and right steerable skis 50 are carried by a front suspensionsystem 40, which in turn is mounted to the chassis 31. The suspensionsystem may be of any suitable type. In the drawings a trailing armsuspension system is depicted, such a system utilizing, for each ski, atrailing arm 42 connected at its rear end to the chassis, a pair ofgenerally transversely mounted radius rods 43 connected at their innerends to the chassis and at their outer ends to the front end of thetrailing arm, and a shock/spring combination 44 connected at one end tothe chassis 31 and at the other end to the front end of the trailing arm42. Other suitable suspensions could also be utilized, however,including, e.g., a double A-arm (sometimes called “double wishbone”)suspension or a telescopic strut suspension. Snowmobile 30 can also havemounting aperture 60 (FIG. 12) located anywhere on snowmobile 30, suchas luggage rack 62.

With reference to FIG. 1E, a perspective view of a personal watercraftthat can incorporate some embodiments of the present teachings is shown.FIG. 1E illustrates a personal watercraft 820 having generally a frontor bow 822 and a rear or stern 823. The personal watercraft 820 includesa top deck 826 secured to a bottom hull 824 along an overlapping portioncovered with a rub rail 832 in the embodiment illustrated, therebyforming a hull. An exhaust opening (not shown) can be located in topdeck 826 or in bottom hull 824. The hull formed by the bottom hull 824and top deck 826 define a compartment sized to contain an internalcombustion engine 833 for powering the watercraft, and may also includeone or more storage compartments, depending upon the size andconfiguration of watercraft 820. The deck portion 826 also has a raised,longitudinally extending seat 828 adapted to accommodate one or moreriders seated in straddle fashion on the seat 828.

Engine 833 powers a jet propulsion unit 834, typically mounted in atunnel at the bottom rear portion of watercraft 820. Jet propulsion unit834 includes a steerable water discharge nozzle 331 that is operativelyconnected to a set of handlebars 842 to facilitate steering ofwatercraft 820 by the operator. Engine 833 may be of the two or fourcycle variety. Of course, engine 833 may have one or more cylinders, asappreciated by those skilled in the art. In engines of the four-strokevariety, engine 833 includes a lubricating system (not shown). Thelubricating system includes an oil reservoir (not shown) that must bedrained and refilled routinely. Hull 824 may be made of any suitablematerial including molded fiberglass, reinforced resin plastic, and/or asheet of molding compound. It is also further contemplated that thepresent teachings could be utilized in other watercraft such asmotorboats without departing from the spirit of the invention.Watercraft 820 can also have mounting aperture 850 (FIG. 14) locatedanywhere on watercraft 820, such as back platform 852.

The motorcycle 920 illustrated in FIG. 1F includes a chassis 922, a seat924 coupled to chassis 922, a front wheel 926 coupled to chassis 922 bya front fork 928, and a rear wheel 930 coupled to chassis 922 by a swingarm assembly 932. Steering member 942 can be used to steer wheel 926 or930. A tail section 934 forms the rear portion of motorcycle 920underneath seat 924 and above rear wheel 930. Motorcycle 920 can alsohave mounting aperture 950 (FIG. 15) located anywhere on motorcycle 920to attach an accessory such as saddle bag 952. Engine 940 can be coupledto at least some of wheels 926 and 930 of motorcycle 920 for propellingmotorcycle 920.

With reference to FIG. 2, a side profile of an expansion retainer in anopen position in an embodiment of the present teachings is shown.Expansion retainer 300 has a proximal end 302 and a distal end 304,where distal end 304 is capable of being received by mounting aperture406 (FIG. 5) or 226 (FIG. 9). Expansion retainer 300 can have a handlemember 306, a shaft 308 pivotally coupled to handle member 306 atproximal end 302 allowing handle member 306 to be pivotally rotatedbetween an open position (shown in FIG. 2) and closed position (shown inFIG. 3) to move shaft 308 in an axial direction, a grommet 310 locatedon shaft 308 at distal end 304, a fastener 312 coupled to shaft 308 atdistal end 304, a spacer member 314 located proximal of grommet 310, anda bracket member 316 coupled at proximal end 302 of shaft 308 betweenhandle member 306 and spacer member 314. Pin member 318 pivotallycouples shaft 308 to handle member 306. Fastener 312 is illustrated as anut and washer assembly, however, fastener 312 could be most any type offastener such as a “C” shaped keyway, a large diameter nut, a cotter pinassembly, or a flange at the distal end of shaft 308 without departingfrom the spirit of the present teachings.

With reference to FIG. 3, a side profile of an expansion retainer in aclosed position in an embodiment of the present teachings is shown.Handle member 306 can pivot about pin member 318 (FIG. 4) so when handlemember 306 is moved from an open position to a closed position handlemember 306 acts as a cam to move shaft 308 in an upward axial direction.This axial movement causes grommet 310 to be compressed between spacer314 and fastener 312 thus expanding outward giving the grommet a greaterdiameter than it originally had as shown in FIG. 2. As illustrated,fastener 312 is a nut and washer assembly. When handle 306 is placed inthe closed position, the washer on the bottom side prevents grommet 310from expanding axially and causes it to expand radially outward. The nutand bolt assembly also provides some variability and adjustability forexpansion retainer 300. For example, the operator could tighten the nutdown to compress the rubber more or less, thus controlling the grommet'sdiameter during expansion.

Grommet 306 can be a rubber material, however, grommet 306 could be anymaterial with similar elastic properties and strength to rubber withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present teachings. Further, whilegrommet 306 is illustrated as cylindrical, grommet 306 can have anyshape. Spacer 314 can be made out of most any material including hardplastics, nylon, or metal and can be stiffer than grommet 310 as long asspacer 314 won't compress when handle member 306 is moved from the opento closed position. Spacer 314 can be used to insure grommet 310 islocated within mounting aperture 406 (FIG. 6) or 226 (FIG. 9), which isdiscussed in more detail below. Bracket member 316 can be used to attachexpansion retainer 300 to an accessory or any other item to be retainedto mounting aperture (FIG. 6) or 226 (FIG. 9) and is discussed in moredetail below. An accessory can be an item desirable to be attached to avehicle such as a weed sprayer, cargo, or even vehicle accessories suchas a radio. Bracket member 316 is illustrated as an “L” bracket, butcould be most any type of bracket or have most any shape to attachaccessories to expansion retainer 300. Alternatively, an oversizedwasher 520 (FIG. 10) could be substituted for bracket member 316 whereoversized washer 520 would rest upon the top of an accessory and holdthe accessory to accessory platform 222 when handle member 306 wasrotated to the closed position.

With reference to FIG. 5, a side profile of an expansion retainer in anopen position in an embodiment of the present teachings is shown. Insome embodiments, expansion retainer 500 can have two grommets 502 and504 located between spacer 506. When handle member 508 is moved from anopen to a closed position, a shaft (not shown) is moved upward in anaxial direction. As the shaft is moved upward, grommet 504 is compressedbetween spacer 506 and fastener 510 and grommet 502 is compressedbetween bracket 512 and spacer 506.

With reference to FIG. 6, an elevated profile of an accessory platformin an embodiment of the present teachings is shown. Accessory platform400 can have a top surface 402 and a bottom surface 408 coupled tochassis 404. Accessory platform 400 can be a glass filled plastic,however, accessory platform 400 can be made out of most any material,such as plastic, metal, or wood without departing from the spirit of thepresent teachings. As illustrated, accessory platform 400 can have atleast one mounting aperture 406. In some embodiments, mounting aperture406 extends from top surface 402 to bottom surface 408. In otherembodiments, mounting aperture 406 extends from top surface 402 withinaccessory platform 400. It is helpful if mounting aperture 406 extendsfrom top surface 402 to bottom surface 408 to prevent debris fromcollecting within. Debris would prevent expansion retainer 300 frombeing properly located within mounting aperture 406 to ensure adequateclamping force. By having mounting aperture 406 extending from topsurface 402 to bottom surface 408, aperture 406 is generally selfcleaning and therefore does not require any preparation before placingretainer 300 within aperture 406.

Mounting aperture 406 can have a slightly larger diameter than grommet310 in order to accept grommet 310 into mounting aperture 406 duringinsertion of retainer 300 or retainer 500. Mounting aperture 406 canhave a chamfer 410 on top surface 402, which allows the operator tocenter expansion retainer 300 quickly, and to assist the operator inalignment when inserting retainer 300 into mounting aperture 406, as isdiscussed in more detail below. Mounting aperture 406 can have a draft412 within to assist grommet 310 sliding into mounting aperture 406,however, it is contemplated mounting aperture 406 could be without adraft as long as mounting aperture 406 can accept grommet 310 within.However, a draft can assist in the insertion of grommet 310 intomounting aperture 406. Additionally, grommet 310 can have a diameterless than the diameter of mounting aperture 406 so grommet 310 can bereceived within mounting aperture 406.

In some embodiments, the axial length of mounting aperture 406 can beslightly shorter than the axial length from bracket member 316 togrommet 310. In this embodiment, a portion of or all of grommet 310 canprotrude beyond bottom surface 408 of accessory platform 400. Whenhandle member 306 is moved from the open to closed position, grommet 310compresses and expands radially outward, increasing its diameter and bydoing so becomes larger than the diameter of mounting aperture 406 asshown in FIG. 7. When compressed grommet 310 expands larger than thediameter of mounting aperture 406 or 226 and, therefore, retainer 300cannot be pulled back through mounting aperture 406 or 226. Further whencompressed below bottom surface 408, expansion retainer 300 is pulledtoward top surface 402 as well as any accessory coupled to retainer 300.Grommet 310 can expand either within mounting aperture 406 or 226 orbelow bottom surface 408 thus making it very difficult to pull retainer300 through or out of mounting aperture 406 or 226. In otherembodiments, where grommet 310 expands within mounting aperture 406 or226, expansion retainer 300 or 500 is held within mounting aperture 406or 226 by a friction force, which makes it difficult to pull retainer300 or 500 from mounting aperture 406 or 226.

With reference to FIG. 5 once again, when handle member 508 is movedfrom the open position to closed position grommet 504 is compressedbetween spacer 506 and fastener 510 and grommet 502 is compressedbetween bracket 512 and spacer 506. When grommet 504 expands thisprevents retainer 500 from being removed from mounting aperture 406 or226. Grommet 502 can expand above top surface 402 or within mountingaperture 406 or 226, thus not only adding friction resistance againstretainer 500 being removed from mounting aperture 406 or 226, butgrommet 502 also can act a sound dampener to prevent noise when theaccessory is bouncing against accessory platform 400 during travel.

Expansion retainer 300 or 500 provides advantages and benefits overother mounting/clamping methods. Retainer 300 or 500 distributes theclamp force over a larger area than a bolt or pin. This allows for anincreased load carrying capacity. It also decreases the possibility ofcasing damage to aperture surface or structure. Expansion retainer 300or 500 is also significantly easier to use compared to other accessorymounting systems. The clamping operation is above the mounting surfaceand does not require tools. To fasten an accessory or object usingexpansion retainer 300 or 500 does not require removal of an accessoryplatform or working below the top surface of the platform. Thisdecreases the time necessary to secure the object to the vehicle.

With reference to FIG. 8, a flow chart for the operation of an expansionretainer in an embodiment of the present teachings is shown. At state600, expansion retainer 300 is coupled to an accessory. Distal end 304can be inserted into mounting aperture 406 of accessory platform 400 atstate 602. Handle member 306 can be rotated pivotally from an openposition to a closed position, thus moving shaft 308 in an axialdirection to compress grommet 310 and retaining expansion retainer 300within mounting aperture 406 at state 604.

With reference to FIG. 10, a side profile of an expansion retainer in anopen position for insertion into an accessory platform in an embodimentof the present teachings is shown. Expansion retainer 500 can also becoupled to an accessory with bracket 512, however, expansion retainer300 or 500 can also be coupled to an accessory with an oversized washer520. An accessory could be placed within box 222 generally near twoadjacent sides, such as sides 230, 232, and 234. When the accessory wasin position near two or more adjacent sides, retainer 500 could beplaced within mounting aperture 226. As mounting aperture 226 slidesinto mounting aperture 226, bottom surface 522 of washer 520 could comein contact with the top surface of an accessory. Handle 508 could thenbe rotated to a closed position thus expanding grommets 502 and 504 toretainer expansion retainer 500 within mounting aperture 226 and thusproviding a downward holding force to the accessory. As can be seen fromFIG. 9, box 222 can have a plurality of mounting apertures 226 allowingfor the use of several retainers 500 to provide additional clampingforces. It is contemplated the accessory could come with its owncoupling connection which would line up with apertures 406 or 226 and aretainer 300 or 500 could be used without a bracket 512 or washer 520.

With reference to FIG. 11, a box divider with integral brackets in anembodiment of the present teachings is shown. Divider 700 allows thevehicle operator to separate box 222 into several compartments forholding accessories. Divider 700 could be placed in box 222 wheremounting apertures 226 would receive retainers 702 and 704 on oppositesides of box 222, for example sides 230 and 232. Retainers 702 and 704could then be rotated to a closed position to retainer divider 700 tobox 222. Divider 700 allows a vehicle operator to easily separate box222 into multiple compartments, which can be helpful to the operator,for example, if the operator were hauling two materials he did not wishto get mixed.

With reference to FIG. 12, a front profile of a quick removal mirror insome embodiments of the present teachings is shown. Snowmobile 30 canhave one or more mounting apertures 60 to attach an accessory such as aluggage rack 62. Additionally, luggage rack 62 can have mountingapertures 64 to retain an accessory such as a backrest 66. In operation,the operator would place luggage rack 62 over mounting apertures liningup expansion anchors 68 with mounting apertures 60. Expansion anchors 68are then pivoted to a closed position thus expanding the grommet to holdluggage rack 62. If the operator desires, they can then align expansionretainers 70 with mounting apertures 64 and place retainers 70 withinapertures 64. Once again, retainers 70 are pivoted to a closed positionexpanding the grommet to retain backrest 66 to luggage rack 62.

With reference to FIG. 13, a front profile of a quick removal mirror insome embodiments of the present teachings is shown. Similar to above,expansion retainer 80 can be used to attach an accessory such as amirror 82 to snowmobile 30. In operation, the operator could raise hood84 and place retainer 80 through mounting aperture 86. Mirror 82 couldthen be screwed upon shaft 88 until mirror 82 is snug against hood 84.The operator could then pivot retainer 80 from an open position to aclosed position thus retaining mirror 82 firmly against hood 84.

With reference to FIG. 15, a side profile of a motorcycle with mountingapertures in some embodiments of the present teachings is shown. Similarto above, the vehicle operator can attach and accessory such as a saddlebag 952 to motorcycle 920. The operator would line up apertures 954 withmounting apertures 950. The operator would then insert expansionretainers 956 through apertures 954 into mounting apertures 950. Wheninserted expansion retainers is then pivoted from an open to a closedposition to expand the grommet thus retaining saddle bag 952 tomotorcycle 920.

The present teachings provide for a quick and inexpensive device forlatching an accessory onto and off of a vehicle accessory platformsystem. Thus the operator would not need to access the bottom side of anaccessory platform. The present teachings allow the operator to fastenan accessory from above an accessory platform and still maintain enoughfastening strength to hold whatever size accessory to an accessoryplatform.

Thus, embodiments of the Vehicle Expansion Retainer are disclosed. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate that the present teachings can bepracticed with embodiments other than those disclosed. The disclosedembodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and notlimitation, and the present teachings are limited only by the claimsthat follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. An accessory retainer for a vehicle, the retainercomprising: an actuation member; a shaft extending axially between aproximal end and a distal end, the shaft being coupled to the actuationmember at the proximal end, the actuation member rotatable to move theshaft axially; a retainer member located on the shaft; a spacer locatedproximal of the retainer member; a retention member coupled to the shaftand located distal of the retainer member; and a mounting membersupported by the shaft and adapted to retain an accessory to a mountingaperture located on the vehicle, wherein the retainer member movesrelative to the spacer and the retention member when the actuationmember is rotated.
 2. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the shaft ispivotally coupled to the actuation member, the actuation memberpivotally rotatable between a first position and a second position, thefirst position being an open position, and the second position being aclosed position.
 3. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the mountingaperture is located on an accessory platform coupled to the vehicle. 4.The retainer of claim 3, wherein the retainer member expands radiallyoutward below a bottom surface of the accessory platform when theexpansion retainer is received within the at least one mounting apertureand the actuation member is rotated.
 5. The retainer of claim 1, whereinthe actuation member is a handle.
 6. The retainer of claim 1, whereinthe retainer member expands radially outwardly against the mountingaperture when the retainer is received within the mounting aperture andthe actuator member is rotated.
 7. The retainer of claim 1, wherein themounting member comprises at least one of a bracket member and a washer.8. A method for retaining accessories to a vehicle, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing an expansion retainer with a mountingmember for coupling to an accessory; inserting a distal end of theexpansion retainer within a mounting aperture on a vehicle; and rotatingan actuator member located on a proximal end of the expansion retainerbetween a first position and a second position to move a shaft in anaxial direction for causing a grommet to compress between a spacer and afastener, the grommet moving radially outward for securing the mountingmember to the vehicle.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step ofrotating the actuator member includes pivoting the actuator memberbetween an open position and a closed position to move a shaft coupledto the actuator member in an axial direction to compress the grommetagainst the mounting aperture.
 10. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising the step of supporting a platform on a vehicle, the platformincluding the mounting aperture.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein themounting member comprises at least one of a bracket member and a washer.12. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of coupling anaccessory to the mounting member.
 13. An accessory retainer for avehicle comprising: an accessory platform adapted to be coupled to avehicle and including a mounting aperture; at least one mountingaperture located on the accessory platform; an expansion retainer havinga proximal end and a distal end, comprising: an actuator member; a shaftcoupled to the actuator member at the proximal end, the actuator membermovable between a first position and a second position to move the shaftin an axial direction; a grommet located on the shaft; a fastenercoupled to the shaft at the distal end; a mounting member supported bythe shaft; and an accessory coupled to the mounting member; wherein themounting member is adapted to retain the accessory to the mountingaperture located on the accessory platform, and the grommet expandsradially when the actuator member is moved from the first position tothe second position.
 14. The retainer of claim 13, wherein the shaft ispivotally coupled to the actuator member, the actuator member pivotallyrotatable between the first position and the second position, the firstposition being an open position, and the second position being a closedposition.
 15. The retainer of claim 13, further comprising a spacersupported by the shaft, wherein the grommet is compressed between thespacer and the fastener and expands radially outward when the actuatormember is moved to the second position.
 16. The retainer of claim 13,wherein the grommet expands radially outward below a bottom surface ofthe accessory platform when the expansion retainer is received withinthe at least one mounting aperture and the actuator member is moved tothe second position.
 17. The retainer of claim 13, wherein the grommetexpands radially outwardly against the mounting aperture when theretainer is received within the mounting aperture and the actuationmember is moved to the second position.
 18. The retainer of claim 13,wherein the actuation member is a handle.
 19. The retainer of claim 13,wherein the mounting member comprises at least one of a bracket memberand a washer.
 20. An accessory retainer for a vehicle, where the vehicleincludes a mounting aperture, the accessory retainer comprising: a shafthaving a first end and a second end; a handle pivotally coupled to theshaft at the first end about a pivot axis, the handle including a camsurface positioned radially outwardly of the pivot axis; a retentionmember coupled to the shaft at the second end; a retainer memberpositioned intermediate the handle and the retention member; and amounting member positioned intermediate the retainer member and thehandle and adapted to retain an accessory to the mounting aperture, theshaft extending through the mounting member; wherein, when the handle isrotated, the cam surface cooperates with the mounting member and theretention member is pulled upwardly, causing engagement of the retainermember against the mounting aperture.
 21. The accessory retainer ofclaim 20, wherein the retainer member is compressible and radiallyexpands when the handle is moved from a first position to a secondposition.
 22. The accessory retainer of claim 20, wherein the handle ispivotally coupled to the shaft, the handle pivotally rotatable between afirst position and a second position, the first position being an openposition, and the second position being a closed position.
 23. Theaccessory retainer of claim 20, wherein the mounting member comprises atleast one of a bracket member and a washer.
 24. The accessory retainerof claim 20, wherein the first end of the shaft is positioned on oneside of the mounting member, and the second end of the shaft ispositioned on another side of the mounting member.
 25. The accessoryretainer of claim 20, wherein the retention member comprises a fastener.26. The accessory retainer of claim 20, wherein the retainer membercomprises a grommet.
 27. An accessory assembly for a vehicle, where thevehicle includes a mounting aperture, the accessory assembly comprising:an accessory retainer, comprising: a shaft having a first end and asecond end; a handle pivotally coupled to the shaft at the first endabout a pivot axis, the handle including a cam surface positionedradially outwardly of the pivot axis; a retention member coupled to theshaft at the second end; a retainer member positioned intermediate thehandle and the retention member; and a mounting member positionedintermediate the retainer member and the handle and, the shaft coupledto the mounting member; and an accessory coupled to the mounting member;wherein, when the accessory is placed adjacent to the vehicle with theretainer member in the mounting aperture, the handle is rotated and thecam surface cooperates with the mounting member, and the retentionmember is pulled upwardly, causing engagement of the retainer memberagainst the mounting aperture securing the accessory to the vehicle. 28.An accessory assembly of claim 27, wherein the accessory is a storagerack.